We want you to get the care you deserve.
Hi, I’m Melissa.
I’m a Registered Nurse in the province of Alberta with over 12 years of experience and a passion for preventative healthcare, nutrition and functional fitness! In addition to my BScN, I’ve earned a Masters Degree in Public Health, with a specialization in Nursing - MPH(N), and have received additional training for healthcare providers in obesity management, diabetes education and managing cardiovascular health.
As well, I am an ISSA Certified Nutritionist, and CrossFit level 1 (online) coach and personal trainer.
On a personal note, I live in Edmonton, Alberta and I'm an avid adventurer of the Canadian Rockies, enjoying hiking in summer, and boarding down the snowy mountain slopes during the winter. In my spare time I’m a CrossFit athlete and coach at my local gym!
My nursing career began with post-surgical critical care and in emergency departments. I’ve seen people on their worst days, and in their worst health. I’ve witnessed many hospitalizations and health issues stemming from complications related to chronic diseases. As a healthcare provider it was heartbreaking knowing that so many of these issues and cases were preventable. I kept feeling as though I should be doing more to help as a nurse.
My journey then brought me to community and public health. I worked for several years as a traveling nurse in urban public health centres as well as rural & remote community nursing stations, where I operated largely as an independent practitioner. This is where I began to lean into my passion for public health, patient education, and supporting unique community needs to improve people's health. From developing and implementing workshops and educational classes, creating and coordinating health screening events, to providing health coaching to patients and families in clinics, I felt incredible purpose in my work.
In January 2020, I transitioned into a role as a Patient Services Specialist in a private company with a virtual patient support program. Here I worked with patients in Alberta suffering from a rare chronic disease. My role included coaching patients and caregivers through disease and therapy management at home. I counseled patients on disease and symptom management, answered questions about their therapy and how to control side effects, coordinated care while communicating with their primary care providers, helped them navigate the healthcare system, and was a consistent support person in their time of need. Often, patients would reach out, simply because they didn’t know who else to call.
My interest in preventative healthcare has continued to grow over the years with each clinical experience highlighting the increasing need for chronic disease prevention, and the importance of building a capacity for self-management. Ultimately, this is what drove me to create eMpowered Wellness: Nurse Coach & Co. and build services that will positively impact the health and longevity of our community.
To explore all of my experience and formal education, check me out on LinkedIn.
What is a Nurse Health Coach?
A Nurse health coach applies their clinical knowledge and medical expertise to the realm of lifestyle coaching to address specific needs. In addition to weight management, a Nurse can support you in many ways to improve your gut health, get better blood sugar control, lower your blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and more. We uniquely consider any medical diagnosis and medication self-management needs in our coaching sessions, and in your plan of care. As well, we are able to communicate with other healthcare providers about your health and progress, and connect you with resources or referrals for additional support.
We work together, within the context of your life, health history, and any recommendations from your primary care providers, to create a customized plan that works for YOU. We explore the power of better nutrition and healthy eating patterns, getting more active, stress management, and sleep – maximizing your mind, movement and metabolism to achieve an optimal state of wellness.
Get in touch with us.
If you have specific questions, or would like to learn more, send us an email and let’s chat.